Finding a persistent ground leak at the water meter is a critical issue that demands immediate and durable action. We recently responded to a homeowner in Vail, AZ, who discovered a leak at this crucial junction. The resulting repair evolved into a complete infrastructure upgrade, eliminating health concerns and ensuring the long-term integrity of their water supply.
The Immediate Problem: A Fractured PVC Pipe
Excavation at the leak site near the water meter revealed the culprit: a cracked PVC water delivery pipe in the ground. We discussed the situation with the homeowner, explaining the inherent risks of the existing material.
The home was served by an existing 1.5-inch PVC pipe, a material that presents several drawbacks:
- Health Concern: Older PVC can contain BPA (Bisphenol A), raising potential health concerns for drinking water.
- Prone to Failure: PVC is prone to fractures because the material dries out and becomes brittle over time. Furthermore, natural ground movement can force a fracture, as seen in this case.
Given the pipe's poor condition and the material concerns, the homeowner made the smart decision to have Zing Plumbing perform a full replacement of the water pipe from the meter to the home.
The Solution: Temporary Fix and PEX Replacement
To minimize disruption, our immediate priority was restoring water service. We made a temporary repair at the meter, allowing the water to be turned back on to the home while preparing for the full replacement.
For the permanent fix, we installed a premium flexible PEX material. PEX (cross-linked polyethylene) is the modern standard for water delivery lines, offering significant advantages over PVC:
- Health and Safety: PEX is BPA-free and a non-corroding material.
- Durability: Its flexibility allows it to withstand ground movement, temperature fluctuations, and pressure without fracturing, ensuring a much longer lifespan.
Key Upgrades for Future Reliability
During the replacement, we incorporated essential upgrades for future maintenance and safety:
- New Emergency Shutoff: We installed a new emergency shutoff control at the water meter, giving the homeowner easy, independent control over the main water supply.
- Tracer Wire: We attached a tracer wire to the entire length of the new PEX pipe. Since PEX is non-metallic, this wire allows future technicians to easily and precisely locate the underground line using specialized equipment without having to dig.
Once all the plumbing connections were made, we thoroughly tested for the proper function of plumbing fixtures in the home to verify pressure and flow.
Restoration Complete
With the new, durable water line successfully installed and verified, we backfilled the trench and meticulously set the landscaping back to its original condition, leaving no visible trace of the major plumbing work done beneath the surface. The homeowner is now assured of a safe, reliable, and durable water supply for decades to come.
Are you concerned about outdated PVC water lines or a leak near your meter in Vail, AZ? Upgrading to PEX can eliminate health risks and prevent future fractures.
